Fuel burner



June 14,I 1938.

C. OHAGAN FUEL BURNER 4 Filed Aug.. 3l, 1932 2 Sheets-Sheet.v 1

1w il ZZv Eli/emilion" Charles I?.

June 14, 1938. c. P. OHAGAN FUEL, BURNER Fileld Aug. 31, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 hrls P O Patented June 14, 1938 FUEL BURNER Charles P. OHagan, Chicago, Ill.

Application August 31,

9 Claims.

This invention relates to fuel burners and more particularly to oil burners adapted for domestic appliances, although it may be employed for other purposes and utilize different fuels such as gas with equal advantage.

It contemplates more especially a fuel burner designed for natural draft operation, thereby avoiding the neck sity of supplying air and/r fuel by resort to mechanical expedients.

Numerous types of fuel burners have heretofore been proposed for natural draft operation, but these have not proven entirely satisfactory owing to the inability to produce thorough fuel combustion and failure to alford accessibility for cleansing purposes. Complete combustion is of utmost consequence, and this is accomplished by providing a secondary supply of air capable of regulation to supplement initial combustion vwhich preferably though not essentially serves as a preheating medium for the auxiliary or supplemental supply of air.

The quantity of secondary air is capable of regulation, and the burnerY is so constructed as to enable instantaneous assembly and dismantling relative to the secondary air register without inuencing the adjustment thereof; however, the specific features of construction and assembly are capable of variation depending upon the particular use and requirements of commercial practice. It must be remembered, however, that cleansing of the parts and thcample supply of secondary air to insure complete combustion, are important features which, for the most part, have not been successfully incorporated in oil or other fuel burners of the natural draft design.

One object of the present invention is to simplify the construction and 'improve the operation of devices of the character mentioned.

Another object is the provision of a natural draft oil burner having means for supplying secondary air to insure ,complete combustion.

Still anotherobject is to provide an oil burner having secondary air supply and regulation conducive to maximum thermal efficiency.

A further object is to provide an oil burner having an ample source of air supply to initiate fuel burning and insure complete combustion responsive to the regulationv thereof.

A still further object is to provide a fuel burner having an air register for effecting the regulation of the secondary air supply insuring complete combustion.

Still a further object is to provide a fuel burner which supplies air for initial combustion with 1932, Serial No. 631,238

means for effecting a regulated supply of secondary air commingling therewith to insure complete combustion. f v Other objects and advantages will appear from the following description of an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.

In the drawings: p

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through a burner embodying features of the-present invention.

. Figure 2 is a sectional view of the burner taken substantially along line II-II of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially along line III-III of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the burner shell with the combustion casing attached thereto.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a. burner or burner receptacle designed for detachable engagement with the burner shell ,as shown in dotted outline in Figure 4.A v

Figure 6 is a top plan view of the shutter control for the secondary air supply. Y Y

The structure selected for illustration -comlprises a re pot or burner I0, preferably cast or otherwise shaped to dene a cylindrical member open-at one end II with the bottom I2 having the upstanding wall I3 thereof provided with inlet holes or apertures I4 for the passage of primary air therethrough. It is worthy of note that the apertures I4 are obliq-uelyv inclined relative to the radii of the cylindric wall I3 so as to direct the primary air in a substantially circular path to impart twirling movement thereto (see Figure 2), thereby effecting complete commingling between the ,air and fuel such 'as oil` or gas which issues through.v an inlet orifice I5 provided through a boss I6 formed in the burner I0 proximate to the bottom I2 thereof. A source of fuel supply such as a pipe line is detachably connected with the inlet orifice I5 through the medium ofthe threaded bore thereof, thereby effecting ready attachment and detachment by re.. sort to a coupler or other expedient customarily employed for that purpose. y

In the present embodiment, the burner III has a base member I6 cast or otherwise shaped to present a circumferential wall I'I'terminating in an outwardly olf-set peripheral ange I8 delining a circular seat I9 for registry with'a shell 20 as will appear more fully hereinafter. The base member I6' is provided with radially arranged depressions 2|, in this instance three, formed inwardly from the exterior wall I1 to define ledges l22 for the reception of ycorrespondingly spaced flanges 23 constituting radial integral extensions of the burner bottom I2. Suitable fastening bolts 24 extend through the aligned edges 2| and flanges 23 so that the free threaded extremity thereof projects within the depressions 2| to permit the detachable engagement of nuts 25 thereto, thereby securing the burner I0 and its base I6 in assembled relation.

The burner shell comprises a cylindrical member 26 which terminates in 'a peripheral ridge 21, there being an outwardly curved peripheral extension 28 formed integral therewith to project therebeyond or an appreciable distance to accommodate an air register 29, the burner shell extension 28 contacts with the bottom plate 30 constituting a part of the combustion shell. As shown,i the burner shell extension 28 terminates in radially extending flanges 3| which receive bolts 32 from the bottom plate 30 to effect the attachment therewith, there being nuts 33 provided on the threaded extremity of the bolts 32 to preclude accidental detachment between the burner shell 20 and the bottom plate 30. Reinforcing ribs 34 may be formed between the flanges 3| and the burner shell extension 28 so as to strengthen the suspended support of the burner shell 20. Oppo- ,sitely directed peripheral ridges 35 and 36 are formed on the burner extension 28 and bottom plate 38, respectively, so as to contact each other and effect a sealed association between the shell 2|) and bottom plate 30. It is to be noted that the base member extension 28 has a peripheral flange 31 which extends laterally to receive the bottom plate ridge 38 thereon, thereby limiting the ex-v `tent of association between the burner shell 20 and the bottom plate 30 of the combustion chamber. In order to enable the ready association and disassociation of the burner I0 with its base I6' relative to the shell 20 in order to afford relative cleansing and/ or replacement, the burner base I6 has upwardly extending lugs 38, in this instance three, formed integral therewith to project-beyond the bottom region of the burner shell 20. Lugs 38 are formed with laterally directed ears 39 which are adapted to engage studs 40 rprojecting radially from the shell 20 to serve as a support for the base member I6'. It is to be noted that the ears 39 are disposed in the same direction relative to the lugs 38, and these may be caused to engage the studsf40 by introducing .the

burner I0 in the shell 20 with the complemental ears 39 and pins 40 out of registry. With the base member I6' elevated in the shell 20 for a distance suiilcient to have its peripheral ridge I9 contact with the bottom edge thereof, the base may be rotated so as to cause the ears 39 to slip over the studs 40, thereby effecting support of the burner base I6' by its shell20. In order to precludeaccidental removal of the burner II! with the base member I6' relative to the shell 20, one or more of the ears 39 mayjbe provided with an aperture aligning with a corresponding aperture in a stud 40 to receive a retaining member such as a cotter pin 4 I thereby precluding relative r0- tation between thebase member I 6 and the shell 28 until such a time as the cotter pin 4| is removed. Y

It is to be noted that the portion of the burner shell 28 is removed to define an opening 42 in this instance of substantially rectangular configuration to extend vertically in communication with the bottom peripheral edge of the burner shell 2l. 'I'he opening 42 serves to admit primary and secondaryair to the burner I9 for assisting in the combustion of the fuel supplied thereto through the orice I5. The primary air from the surrounding atmosphere enters through the burner shell opening 42 and passes around the flre pot or fuel receptacle I0 for eiitry to its interior through the holes or -apertures I4 provided in the walls thereof. This effects primary combustion of fuel for the purpose of producing vaporization thereof. Thereupon the vaporized fuel together with the primary charge of air rises in the burner I0 for passage through the circular opening defined by the air register 29 which is in alignment with a correspondingly sized opening 43 provided, in this instance, in the bottomplate 3l) of the combustion chamber. To this end, the bottom plate 30 has aperipheral upturned iiangeformed axially therein'to dene the opening 43 which admits the primary charge of the fuel therethrough for consequent introduction in the combustion space 44 a baflie plate 46 which centrally sustains a tube 41 for directing the passage of rthe hot gases of combustion into that portion of the heater or shell above the bailles 46 in direct contact with the air, water or other medium of transmitting heat. In order to insure complete combustion of the initial charge as it passes-from the burner IIJ, more air is introduced for commingling therewith. The additional or secondary charge of air is admitted through the register 29 comprising. in this instance, a pair of circular plates 48 and 49. The plates 48 and 49 are -disposed above each other in direct contact for confinement within the'burner shell extension 28, the lower plate 48 having an axial cylindric projection 50 which registers with the interior of the burner I0 for support thereon and the top ridge 21 of the burner shell 20. Thence the register plate 48 telescopically projects within the burner I0 to malntain its xed position relative thereto. The top register plate 49 is similarly shaped in size to the plate 48, and these have axial bores 5I in vertical alignment for direct communication with the opening 43 in the bottom plate 30. As a resultl the products of combustion rise inthe burner `III through the openings 43 and 5I for introduction in the combustion chamber,

Co-incident with the passage of the products of combustion vertically upward in the burner I0 and through the openings 43 and 5I, the secondary charge of air passes around the burner I0 for travel through substantially rectangular slots 52 and 53 circumferentially spaced in the plates 48 and 49. respectively. The slots 52 and 53 are of corresponding size and shape, preferably rectangular in configuration for radial positioning and uniform circumferential spacing so that the plates .48 and 49 constituting the register 29 may be rotated. relative to each other to bring the slots oropenings 52 and 53 in full or partial alignment"as well. as complete misalignments to vary the size of openings entirely therethrough for the passage or control of secondary air flowing therethrough.' In order to. -facilitate the rotation of the top shutter plate and closed positions thereof. It is to be noted that the upper shutter plate 43 is provided with depending projections 56 which are adapted to register with circumferential grooves 51 and 58 provided in the confronting surface of the lower shutter plate 48. In consequence thereof, the depending projections 56 will seat in the circumferential grooves 51 and 5I so that one is complementa] to the other, and the aligned position definitely established and maintained for 'rotation relative to each other.

It is to be noted that the contacting surface of the shutter plates 48 and 49 are preferably ground or finished so as to constitute accurate counterparts in complemental association. The upper plate 49 may be oscillated relative to the plate 48 so as to bring the apertures or slots 52 and 53, respectively, of the shutter or air register into or out of registry to control the amount of air that will pass therethrough. The secondary air enters through the opening 42 together with the primary air, and passes upwardly around the burner i0 through the slots 52 and 33 in the air register 29, and thereupon this secondary supply of air is duplicated inwardlyby the bottom plate 30 for passage toward the combustion zone lor chamber 44 to mix with the hot products of combustion emerging from the confines of the burner I0, thereby completing the combustion to exactly the maximum thermal energy thereof. The secondary air in its traverse around the burner I0, is preheated by the time that it reaches the combustion chamber 44, thereby more than compensating for the cooling eifect imparted -thereto by the secondary air supply. 'I'he fact that the burner may be used for such fuels as oil or gas and its uses varied or adapted to different devices or appliances, renders it necessary or at least highly desirable that the supply of secondary air be capable of variation to meet varying atmospheric and other conditions of operation.

As shown,` the burner shell- 20 is suspended from the heater or bottom plate 30 by means of the bolts 32 which engage the flanges 3| of the burner shell extension or casing 23. ly, the point of attachment between the burner shell 20 and the heated plate 30 is effected along the top region of the former to avoid unnecessary fastener bolt lengths and to avoid undue confinement of the burner shell 20 most usually precluded from immediate accessibility with other known fastening expedients. With the particular complemental attaching expedients .provided on the burner base I6' and. burner shell 20., the burner I0 may be readily removed and replaced by the exercise o f `a slight twist to disengage or engage the ears 'Ihis is accomplished without disturbing or -ins iluencing the adjustment of the air register 29.

This affords immediate and ready access to the interior of the burner Ill for cleansing as well as replacement purposes. 'Ihe burner I0 is initially ignited by allowing the fuel to collect along the bottom I2 thereof, and thereupon ignited by inserting asilame such as occasioned by a lighted piece of paper or similar expedients. This initiates burning of the fuel such as oil or gas, and

combustion Will be accelerated as the burner I0' is elevated in temperature. A substantial flame is thus produced with only the natural draft available under ordinary and varied atmospheric conditions. With the arrangement of partsabove described, a simple, compact and very efficient fuel burner is provided for adaptation to numer- Consequent- :s and the pins 4o.

ous domestic and other appliances where oil or gas is available as a fuel. The fuel, in the case of oil, 'may be supplied through the register I5 under the influenceV of gravity without resort to any power feeding devices.

Various changes may be made in the embodiment of the invention herein specifically described without departing from or sacrificing any therebetween so as to afford ready removal of said burner receptacle and enable complete accessibility to the interior of said burner shell.

2. In an oil burner, the combination with a receptacle serving as a burner, of a base member secured to said burner receptacle, a burner shell to substantially enclose the burner receptacle, cooperating means on said burner shell and base member for effecting detachable engagement responsive to a fractional relative turn therebetween so as to afford ready removal of said burner receptacle and enable complete accessibility to the interior of said burner shell, and means bridging said burner receptacle and shell to control the amount of secondary air directed thereabove into the path of the combustible mixture issuing from said burner receptacle.

3. The combination with a burner shell, of a fuel burner comprising an open topped receptacle with apertured walls, a bottom member positioned below and spaced from the bottom of said burner receptacle for attachment thereto, upstanding arms on said bottom member, and means on said burner shell comprising complements of said upstanding arms for interengagementI therewith to detachablysecure -said receptacle thereto responsive to a partial-relative turn between said burner receptacle and said shell.

4. A fuel burner comprising a receptacle, a casing around said receptacle and spaced therefrom, and interengaging means carriedby said casing and receptacle respectively for effecting engagement and disengagement therebetween responsive to a slight twist of the receptacle relative to said casing about a vertical axis.

5. An oil burner comprisinga burner member,

a casing member substantially surrounding the walls of said burner member and spaced therefrom to define an air chamber therebetween, pins carried by one of said members. and cooperating instrumentalities on the other of said members to effect engagement and disengagement between said pins and cooperating instrumentalities responsive to a slight twist of one of said members relative to the other of said members.

6. A burner unit comprising an open topped receptacle, a bottom plate below said receptacle and spaced therefrom,l said bottom plate having a plurality of upstanding arms terminating in laterally extending lugs, a casing member substantially enclosing said receptacle and spaced therefrom, and supporting instrumentalities near the lower part of said casing toengage and disengage Vsaid laterally extending bottom plate lugs responsive to relative rotary movement therebetween to render said receptacle readily attachable and detachable relative to said casing member.

7. A burner unit comprising an open topped burner receptacle, a bottom plate below said receptacle and spaced therefrom, said bottom plate having a plurality of upstanding arms around the periphery thereof to terminate in laterally extending lugs, a casing member substantially enclosing said receptacle and spaced therefrom, supporting instrumentalities near the lower part of said casing to engage and disengage said laterally extending bottom plate lugs, and means cooperating with one of said lugs for securely connecting the lugs and supporting instrumentalities to prevent accidental removal of said receptacle from said casing.

8. An oil burner comprising a fuel burner receptacle, a casing substantially enclosing said receptacle and spaced therefrom, means carried by the casing for controlling the amount of air passing from said casing and around Vsaid fuel burner receptacle and thereabove for commingling with the fuelmixture issuing therefrom, and interengaging means carried by said casing and receptacle respectively, said interengaging means being engaged and disengaged responsive to a twist of said fuel burnerieeptacle relative to said casing for quickly removing and replacing said fuel receptacle' independent of said air control means.

9. An oil burner comprising a fuel burner receptacle having apertured walls'for the passage of air therethrough, a casing substantially enclosing said receptacle and spaced therefrom, there being an opening in said casing for admitting air to the burner receptacle for passage through the apertures therein, means carried by the casing and disposed above said fuel burner vreceptacle for controlling the amount of air pass- 

